The Love My Life Project

We all have our stories. We all have our hardships. We all have our triumphs. And while “Loving My Life” may sound simple… it’s NOT.

My most recent triumph is happening as I write this post… being brave enough to say, "I am happy." 

Sounds natural and easy... why should THAT take courage, you might ask? 

Well for me, it most definitely does. As a widow, happiness is a complex thing. It is something that you want. Something that you work for. But with it also comes immense shame. Conflicted guilt. Will others think that I'm "over" my beloved husband? That I must not have loved him enough? That I don't still miss him and grieve his absence? 

It's taken 3.5 years of shame, inner conflict, and many many self-help books, podcasts and audiobooks for to take this courageous leap and say “I am happy. And that’s okay.” I miss Travis. I will always love him. AND… I thank him for the gift of all that I’ve learned since losing him. I’m not the same person. I have cracks. Many cracks. But I'm mending them with golden glue that is strong and beautiful.  I’m a better version of myself… one with a million times more empathy, more gratitude, who values every moment of every day, who understands that taking the time to make even the smallest connections with people can make all the difference in someone else’s life.  In leaving this world, he’s helped me grow exponentially as a mom, an artist, an activist, and a human being.

I will not squander his gift. And in his honor, I will continue working to be happy and proud.

The Love My Life Project is a photographic and social media project designed to empower us all to tell our stories. We all deserve to be seen, heard and celebrated.